Brazil keep World Cup dream alive

 

Daniel Danielewicz scored one of Brazil's two tries before his biggest fan - his 83-year-old grandmother

Brazilian rugby came of age in Asunción with their 15-6 win against Paraguay giving them their third consecutive CONSUR B Championship and a ticket to the next stage of the Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying process.

In doing so, they will also jump in the IRB World Rankings from 33rd to 29th – a virtual direct swapping of positions with Paraguay (who slip from 29th to 34th) to experience their highest ever ranking.

The long celebration of the Brazilians confirmed how desperate they were to win this match – a fixture they last won in 1993. Hard work over the last four years, good coaching and a renewed confidence gave them sufficient weaponry to beat a strong Paraguayan side.

In a low scoring yet pulsating match in front of some 3,000 spectators (a big crowd in this country), the Brazilians scored the only two tries and even if they were unable to compete in the scrums against a superior pack, they more than made up for that with attitude elsewhere.

Their defence was crucial and stopped the Yacarés from scoring from a series of close attacks. Paraguay managed to camp in the Brazilian last line and repeatedly tried to force their way over but the defensive realignment and the strength of the tackling sent them back every time.

"Our defence was one of the keys," said winning captain Ramiro Mina, the 34-year-old prop who is a 13-year veteran in the national side. "This is my finest moment as a rugby player."

Family affair for Brazil 

When someone who has fought for the "verde amarelha" (green and yellow) for so many years describes this win as the biggest, it shows how important it was for his team.

"The team had a very special meeting in Perú last year after winning this same championship for a second time. We all spoke from the heart and said we had to have a new goal: qualify for RWC. We've taken the first step. I am not sure we are ready now to qualify, but one day…" added Mina.

The process that led to this victory was started by English-born Jonathan Lowe four years ago. He was joined two years later by French-born Pierre Paparemborde (son of former Test prop Robert). The team got stronger thanks to a staff that now includes former captain Mario Domíngues, who after taking coaching courses in New Zealand and being able to further learn his coaching expertise at the Natal Sharks and Sale Sharks, has added a new dimension. The three were in Asunción sporting huge grins of satisfaction. Domíngues will soon relocate to Toronto where he will take a coaching position.

"We played well and showed that Brazil can also mix it in the forwards, can defend and stick to a game plan. We worked for five months with this game in mind," said head coach Paparemborde. "I have already looked at tapes of Trinidad & Tobago and we will start focusing on them soon, after we all take a few, much deserved, days off."

Brazil won its 12th consecutive match at this level. After exchanging penalties with Paraguay on a humid night at the Rakiura Resort, in the outskirts of the capital city of Paraguay, they scored the first try in the 30th minute.

Centre Moises Rodrígues, one of three brothers in the team, made a clean break and quick recycled ball was spun to the right where hooker Daniel Danielewicz crossed, much to the delight of his 83 year-old grandmother who had boarded a plane for the first time in her life to see her grandson. The hooker had the support of his girlfriend, mother, aunt and grandmother. A superb touchline kick from fly half Lucas Rodrígues put the score 10-3 at the end of the first half.

Strong finish for Venezuela 

Paraguayan full back Rodrigo Llamosas kicked his second penalty on the 60th minute and Paraguay threw everything at the Brazilians but failed to break them. A series of naive mistakes forced the home side into mistakes and wrong choices.

They gave away a penalty under the posts in the 67th minute, but when everyone expected the Brazilians to take the three-pointer, Mateus Rodrígues tapped the ball and quick hands put wing Erick Monfrinatti in the corner for what would be the final scoreline 15-6.

Brazil have played against Trinidad & Tobago three times in Rugby World Cup qualifiers. In 1996, in the run-up to RWC 1999, they lost; they reversed this in 2002 in the build-up to RWC 2003, winning away and at home.

In an earlier match, Venezuela secured third place in the tournament by beating Perú 41-3. The Peruvians were competitive for 40 minutes – the first half only finished 13-0. Scrum half Ricardo Blacksley scored one try and converted five of the six touch-downs, two of which were scored by wing Tomás Aponte.

Colombia, who flew home on Friday, finished fourth with the winless Peruvians fifth.